UCLA Football: Defensive Coordinator Using NFL Experience To Improve Bruins

It may only be a few games into the new season, but the UCLA Bruins look like a team that could make some noise in the Pac-12 this season. They sit with a record of 3-0 and have looked very good through the first few games of the year.

One of the biggest reasons for their success this season has been the improvement of their defense. It has been getting after the opposing quarterback and disrupting things in the backfield.

The Bruins have one of the best pass rushers in the country, and a lot of it comes from the experience of their defensive coordinator. D'Anton Lynn is in his first season with the Bruins after spending years in different defensive roles across the NFL, and his work there is now helping fuel UCLA forward.

His last job in the NFL was as the safeties coach for the Baltimore Ravens, and it is hard to find a better defense to learn from than Baltimore. Lynn opened up about his experience with the Ravens and how it helped lead to him coming to UCLA.

“It was hard to leave Baltimore, but one thing (Ravens coach John Harbaugh) told me was never turn down an opportunity for growth,” said Lynn, who was with the Ravens for two seasons. “I was going to get a chance to call plays and grow as a coach. Don’t stay comfortable here. Go out there and do it. Him saying that meant a lot to me.”

Per The Columbian

The Bruins have started hot on defense, only allowing 30 points over three games. It has been impressive to watch, and they also seem to be getting better each week.

“With Lynn in charge, UCLA has given up 30 points in its first three games, the fewest points it has allowed to open a season since 1980. This is also the first time since 2009 that UCLA has held an opponent to under 20 points in three straight games.”

Per Joe Reedy of The Columbian

They have relied upon using multiple guys in different spots to help keep players fresher in games. This depth allows their experienced players to be able to dominate more often. Head coach Chip Kelly has also been a fan of depth, so he and Lynn were a good match.

“I think the depth has shown through with the ability to keep our players fresh. It’s a credit to all those guys,” Kelly said.

Per The Columbian

The Bruins have a big game this weekend as they get set to take on Utah on the road. It will show where this team is, and we will learn a lot about who they are as a team.

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